Kid's Beat Spotlight: Kia Vaughn

Monday, 10 August 2009 11:06

By Kid's Beat reporter Tara Collins

A graduate of Rutgers University, Kia recorded 68 and 40 career double-digit scoring and rebounding performances, respectively. She finished her collegiate career ranked second all-time in Scarlet Knight history for blocked shots (279) and rebounds (1,079). Kia is one of only four players in RU history to record more than 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career. She is only the second player in program history to lead the team in rebounding in four straight seasons (Liberty legend Sue Wicks was the other). In 2006-07, Kia was named to the Final Four All Tournament Team, All-Big East First Team, All-Met Division I Women’s Basketball Player of the Year and Kodak/WBCA Region I All-American.

NY Liberty, Kia Vaughn Tara sat down in Manhattan and chatted with New York Liberty rookie center Kia Vaughn.

TC: Where did you grow up?
Kia: I grew up in the Bronx, just down the block from Yankee Stadium.

TC: Do you have any brothers and sisters?
Kia: I have seven younger brothers and consider my Liberty teammates as my sisters.

TC: Where did you go to school as a kid?
Kia: I attended St. Michael’s Academy in Manhattan

TC: When did you first start playing basketball and did you play any other sports?
Kia: I began playing basketball in middle school. I also played volleyball and enjoyed Double Dutch jump roping.

TC: What was the biggest moment during your college career?
Kia: Playing for a National Championship and only being a sophomore.

TC: Off the court, who has made a major impact in your life?
Kia: My mom, who ironically forced me to play basketball when I was in middle school (laughing), but she has always been there for me.

TC: Who is your sports idol?
Kia: Lisa Leslie of the Los Angeles Sparks

TC: If we were having lunch right now, what would you order?
Kia: I love cheeseburgers!

TC: And if we were listening to music, what would it be?
Kia: Although I enjoy all types of music, my favorite artist is Beyonce.

TC: Getting back to basketball, did you ever dream of playing in the WNBA?
Kia: Yes, it was definitely a dream of mine.

TC: You wear # 15 on your jersey, is there any significance to that number?
Kia: Yes, one of my younger brothers was born on December 15^th.

TC: As a professional basketball player in the WNBA, what advice would you give to kids?
Kia: As long as you dream big, you can accomplish anything.

I would like to thank the New York Liberty and the WNBA for making this interview possible. For more information on the Liberty visit www.wnba.com/liberty.